How to use Dark Mode on your Mac

Dark Mode makes it easier to stay focused on your work, because your content stands out while darkened controls and windows recede into the background.

macOS Mojave introduces Dark Mode, a dramatic new look that's easy on your eyes and helps you focus on your work. Dark Mode uses a dark color scheme that works system wide, including with the apps that come with your Mac. And third-party apps can adopt it, too.

Turn on Dark Mode

From the Apple menu , choose System Preferences.

Click General.

From the Appearance options at the top of the window, select Dark. This feature is available only after upgrading macOS Mojave.

How Dark Mode works with some apps and features

Some apps and features have special Dark Mode settings or behaviors.

Mail. To use a light background for email messages while Dark Mode is turned on, open Mail and choose Mail > Preferences, then click the Viewing tab and deselect ”Use dark backgrounds for messages.”

Maps. To use a light background for maps while Dark Mode is turned on, open Maps and choose View > Use Dark Map.

Notes. To use a light background for notes while Dark Mode is turned on, open Notes and choose Notes > Preferences, then deselect ”Use dark backgrounds for note content.”

Safari. When you use Dark Mode, Safari automatically shows a website in Dark Mode if the website has been designed to support it. If the website doesn't support Dark Mode, you can use Safari Reader to read articles in Dark Mode.

TextEdit. To use a light background for documents while Dark Mode is turned on, open TextEdit and choose View > Use Dark Background for Windows. (Requires macOS Mojave 10.14.2 or later.)

Dynamic Desktop. If you turn on Dark Mode while using Dynamic Desktop, the desktop may change to the dark still image. You can change this setting in Desktop & Screen Saver preferences.